What to Look For in a Toddler Stroller

Strollers are an excellent way to safely take your wiggly toddler on adventures. It should have a 5-point harness to keep your child safe and swivel locks that won't roll off.

If you're expecting a child, consider a travel system that can be attached to your car seat or convertible models that can be upgraded from single to double (and sometimes triple when you add the Vista PiggyBack ride-along board). Choose a basket that offers plenty of space and that is accessible.

Safety

Select a stroller with safety features that are in line with strict standards If you want your child to have fun in the stroller for many years to come. Included in this are age and size compatibility, as well as a stable design with restraining straps, sunshades and seats with a secure shell. Choose a five-point harness with straps at the crotch area, between the legs, and above the shoulders to keep your child from falling off the stroller in a crash. Many strollers have additional hip straps to increase your child's safety.

Strollers undergo impact testing to ensure that they comply with safety standards. The test involves dropping the stroller from a high point and evaluating the force of the impact to make sure that it won't tip over in use. The top strollers also come with a secure brake system that is lockable and can be activated as in a car.

Check the brake pedals and make sure that they are easy to operate by yourself but difficult to remove for children. If possible, consider an electronic harness that utilizes strong magnets to hold the harness straps together. It is easy to fasten for parents but difficult for children to unlock. Also, look for a cushioned bumper bar that wraps around the frame, and an opening prams for newborns a safety harness that closes when the seat is in a reclined position to keep your baby from being trapped.

To avoid dangers of pinching, fold and unfold the stroller away from children. Always check to see that the hinges are free of protrusions or sharp edges. To avoid entanglement hazards and to reduce the chance that the stroller could tip over, keep bags in the storage area beneath the stroller or in the basket. Never hang purses, diaper bags, or other objects from the handles of the stroller. This can be a strangulation hazard for your baby.

Strollers are an excellent way for your toddler to enjoy the world and gain knowledge about nature, so choose a model with an extendable canopy or sunshade that will shield them from harsh sunlight. Keep drinks and snacks handy with a bottle or cup holder and a snack tray. A bag clip or a tote bag will help you carry your shopping bags and other items without adding to the bulk of the stroller.

Comfort

As toddlers grow older they will require a stroller that is more comfortable than the one they used when they were infants. A seat with plenty of padding and recline features will allow them to fit comfortably and feel comfortable in their stroller. Also, a model that has an adjustable footrest and canopy is the best to accommodate their changing height. A sturdy frame, a 5-point harness, and braking systems are the most important elements.

A double stroller is ideal for parents with twins or children with similar ages. Select a double stroller that has an adjustable seating position to allow them to ride facing toward the parent or facing each other. A reversible chair can also assist your children to bond while on a stroll. Based on your needs you may need a stroller that has cups holder or a bag clip to keep drinks and snacks within reach.

The best strollers for toddlers is easy to fold and maneuver. A stroller with the ability to swivel its front wheels and an effective suspension system will aid in navigating the streets that are crowded and rough terrain. You should also look for a stroller that comes with an adjustable handlebar and a peek-a -boo window. You might also consider a parking brake that is operated by hand for convenience and ease of use when your hands are full.

No matter if you're on a short trip around town or on a long vacation, the right stroller will keep you and your family at ease while exploring. These strollers are designed with convenience and adaptability in mind. They feature an incredibly compact travel pram design that can be folded away and also have large storage baskets.

To narrow your choices, I spoke with five experts in the field of parenting and strollers including Lisa Trofe, executive director of the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association; Kyleyn Gosewisch, customer care specialist at Strolleria; Marielle Marquez, pediatric occupational therapist and co-founder of Thrive Little; Holly Choi co-founder and co-owner of Safe Beginnings First Aid, an organization that provides baby and child safety information as well as Sarah Huff, senior manager of customer and community services at BabyQuip, a baby gear rental site. Find out their top advice on selecting the right stroller to use with toddlers.

folding pushchair

Choose a stroller with an easy-to use folding mechanism. Your child may be able to take a leap into or out of it on their own. Some models fold down with a single hand, while others come with a strap that you can use to carry the stroller if needed. You should consider a stroller that comes with a large canopy to shield your child from sun, or one that has multiple recline positions.

Some of the best strollers have a compartment can be used to attach an infant car seat. Others have attachment points for baby carriers. You may choose a lightweight stroller with a weight of less than 30 pounds to make it easier to lift onto and off public transportation. If you plan to use the stroller on uneven terrain, choose a model that has large, durable wheels. These wheels can effortlessly roll across a variety of terrain.

If you need to, a stroller that has padded straps can be easily slung over your shoulder. Never hang a purse or diaper bag from the handle of your stroller. It could cause it to tip and cause injury or death to your baby.

The stroller you select should come with a five-point harness that securely connects to the front and back of your child. It should also have an ample, easy-to-access storage basket as well as the tray for children. For tired toddlers, a reclining seat is essential.

There are more suggestions and information on choosing the right stroller in our buying guide. If you have any questions contact our customer service experts for help.

What's the difference between stroller and a pram?

A stroller is a hand-driven transportable vehicle that can be used to transport babies or children who are young. Some strollers are able to accommodate an infant pushchairs car seats seat and some have an adjustable bassinet that can be converted into an adult-sized seat. While most strollers are hard to steal, some models come with locks and shackles to prevent them from being taken by people who pass by. Wearing your baby in a top-rated carrier can be an excellent alternative to strollers and increase the bonding between you and your child, while freeing up your hands for other tasks like grocery shopping or running around.

Storage

As your baby grows, stroller excursions become more involved than the quick out and back strolls of childhood. When you go on these excursions, you'll need to bring more supplies, including a fully stocked diaper bag snacks, drinks, snacks and even extra clothes for your Baby. The most effective way to keep all of these items accessible is to put them in the stroller.

Look into a stroller with plenty of storage space that can accommodate your diaper bag and spare clothes, as well as one of our best water bottles for children and more. These necessities will allow you to relax and enjoy your trip without having to worry about baby or bags.

The majority of full-size strollers come with plenty of storage space. However, for those who want an easier-to-access place to store items choose strollers that has a tray for the parents. These consoles usually come with cups holder as well as a huge storage space that can hold more than just beverages. Some of our favorite strollers have a tray for parents, while others have it as an option to add on.

When you choose a stroller with a tray for parents, make sure it comes with deep cup holders that can securely hold your drink. Cup holders that are too small can spill over the edge, creating the risk to your child. We also suggest not hanging anything from the handlebars, as it can cause the stroller to tip over. Depending on the weight of the item and how steep the terrain is and the weight in the storage basket, this could turn a stable stroller into a dangerously tippy one.

For families who plan to have two children in a few years, a tandem stroller is something to consider. These strollers come with seats that are side by side, with an infant seat at the lower part and a toddler's seat at the top. These strollers could save you money over the long term by allowing you to use one stroller from birth until toddlerhood.